Text-to-911

Text-to-911 is designed to assist those who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired or who may be unsafe if they were to be heard making a voice call.

Text-to-911 is available in La Plata County with plans from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Callers must have an active phone service plan with data to use the service; it will not work with third party texting applications.

This option is appropriate in situations including:

• Emergencies in which the caller is deaf, hard of hearing or has a speech disability.
• Emergencies in which the caller cannot speak due to a medical condition or accident.
• Emergencies involving abduction, domestic violence, an intruder, active shooter or other situation that would put the caller in danger if they make a voice call.

To use the service, text 911 in the field for a phone number. Do not use any other numbers. Make sure to:

• Provide your exact address or location.
• Explain the type of emergency or help needed.
• Be prepared to answer any questions that the 911-telecommunicator texts back.
• Use plain language; do not use abbreviations, symbols, emoticons or photos.
• Make messages brief and concise.

Text-to-911 may not be available outside of La Plata County. If a text is made to 911 where the service is not available, a message will be sent back to the phone advising the customer to make a voice call.

Call if you can. Text if you can’t. Voice calls are the best way to contact 911. The text service should only be used in situations where a voice call is not possible or safe.